Sentinel and Enterprise staff photos can be ordered by visiting our Smugmug site.

FITCHBURG -- From wellness to academic achievement, the YMCA is helping families succeed.

The Montachusett Community Branch serves about 400 children from preschool age to teenagers in programs in Fitchburg, Leominster, Lancaster and Lunenburg.

"It's lots more than swim and gym," said Ray Quinlan, chairman of the capital campaign for the YMCA of Central Massachusetts.

YMCA mission partners met at the Fitchburg Art Museum on Jan. 16 to network with fellow supporters and Y staff and volunteers. The YMCA provides several types of services for people in need.

"Every day we're meeting the needs of our community," said Jennifer Gordon, associate executive director of the Montachusett branch.

"Whenever we see a need, we make an effort," said David Connell, regional executive director of the Montachusett branch.

Childhood obesity has become a increasing concern. The team-based Weight Loss Challenge at the Y has helped hundreds of teens over the last six years.

Teens can drop in and find a safe haven. Some teens go on college visits with the Y, including a recent trip to North Carolina.

Programs for at-risk youth are funded partially through membership. The Montachusett Y has between 2,700 and 2,800 members.

Other financial support comes from the community and the annual fund.

"We believe that lasting personal and social change can only come about when we all work together," said Connell.

Advertisement

"That's why, at the Y, strengthening community is our cause."

The United Way of North Central Massachusetts has provided grant money for youth development and has another partnership with the Y.

"The Y works with us," said Kathy Heintz, director of community impact. The Y refers families to the Imagination Library at the United Way on John Fitch Highway. Each child under five receives one book per month.

"It's all about the people," said Arlene Betteridge, vice-president of development at the Community Health Center. The same families that are served by the Y often get health care, dental services, treatment for mental health and pharmacy services from the CHC.

The YMCA is also working on becoming a more visible part of the community. The Montachusett branch recently celebrated its 125th anniversary. The central Mass. YMCA will celebrate its 150th anniversary this year.

The Montachusett branch is "a hidden gem," said Ray Quinlan, board member of the YMCA of central Massachusetts and chairman of the capital campaign. "You've got to be more out there and inviting."

The group has raised more than $3.3 million with a goal of $8.5 million. Connell unveiled conceptualizations of hoped-for renovations at the location on Wallace Avenue in Fitchburg.

A new academic achievement center coupled with building relationships with the schools will give teens a safe haven for socialization.

The wellness center would move closer to the front of the building, bringing fitness into the spotlight. A more welcoming exterior and lobby will help the YMCA in its mission to become a hub within the community, Connell said.

Camp Lowe is another location that could see improvement in the future, Quinlan said. Just off Route 2 in Lancaster, the site is well-placed to serve people from many communities.

The YMCA is very important to the community, said Jeffrey Stephens, chairman of the board of governors of the Montachusett branch and Leominster resident.

"Families and kids light up because they know they are in a good, safe place," he said. "I feel it's really the rock of the neighborhood."

Welcome to your discussion forum: Sign in with a Disqus account or your social networking account for your comment to be posted immediately, provided it meets the guidelines. (READ HOW.)
Comments made here are the sole responsibility of the person posting them; these comments do not reflect the opinion of The Sentinel and Enterprise. So keep it civil.